On Saturday, Jan 13th, 2024 Sreevatsa Gardens House and Apartment Owners’ Association, Thudiyalur, celebrated “Pongal Thiruvila” with so much pomp and splendor. The 25-year-old gated housing community has been the epitome of oneness and community living since its establishment in 1999.
Just as the word ‘Pongal’ originated from the Tamil word ‘pongu’ which implies ‘flourish’ the theme of the day was to prosper and grow as individuals and as a community.

The evening started with Pongal making in 11 pots by the women of Sreevatsa Gardens (SVG). All decked out in traditional wear, kids and adults paid homage to the Sun God. Next, traditional games were conducted by the sports committee – Uri adithal, lemon and spoon, balloon bursting, and others.
The program moved onto the stage around 7 pm with the lighting of the kuthu vilakku by the SVG senior ladies and Tamil Thai Vazhthu played on the Saxophone by Selvi. Niranjana. The President, Dr. C. Subramaniam presided over the function along with all EC members, Dr. G. Barani Sivakumar, the association’s Joint Secretary as MC kept the audience engaged with her dynamic talk. The welcome address was given by the Secretary, Dr. A.M. Natarajan which was followed by Selvi. Niranjana’s Saxophone playing. She took the residents to the olden days with “thulluvatho illamai” to latest hits captivating all age groups in the audience. Next was an adal kalai nigalchi by Shree Abinaya Naatyalayaa under the guidance of guru Brahmayogi Dr. Dhanalakshmi. The performers danced traditional dances with pots and other props. It was a feast for the eyes and ears. All programs were arranged by Kalaimani Mr. Kanagasubramani in consultation with the president.

The next celebration highlight was the MR Jamap group who brought everyone alive with their thudumbattam. One of Kovai’s thudumbattam identity MR Jamap’s music and dance will remain fresh in residents’ memories for a long time. Residents were heard applauding the event organizers with special note to Mrs. S. Shanthi, Mr. K Nagendran, Mr. T. K. Sudhakar, and, Mr. B. Ramesh. On this joyous occasion many senior citizens like Thiru. Vaidhyanathan, Thiru Purushothaman, Dr. A.M Natarajan, and president Dr. C. Subramaniam congratulated the team.

A sumptuous and healthy association-sponsored dinner made out of millets was served to the gathering. The event ended with the Vote of Thanks by the Sports Convenor Dr. B. Ramesh
SVG family, as they fondly call themselves, had a gala time with the Pongal festivities, creating new memories and reliving old ones.